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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 247


Page 247 of 510

'Pack ice' tectonics reveal Venus' geological secrets

New analysis of Venus' surface reveals evidence of tectonic motion in the form of crustal blocks that have jostled against each other. The movement of these blocks could indicate that Venus is still geologically active and give scientists insight into both exoplanet tectonics and the earliest tectonic activity on Earth.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Statin therapy not associated with cognitive decline, dementia in older adults, study says

A new study found that statin therapy is not associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Researchers analyzed data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly trial and found no significant difference in the incidence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment between statin users and non-...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 21, 2021

Painted lady butterfly population fluctuations

Winter rainfall in sub-Saharan Africa limits painted lady butterfly migrations to Europe. The size of migrating populations varies greatly, increasing by a hundredfold in some years, likely driven by weather conditions in West Africa.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

How the surfaces of silicone breast implants affect the immune system

MIT researchers found that rougher implant surfaces stimulate pro-inflammatory T cell responses, while unique surface topographies inhibit tissue inflammation. The study suggests that texture sloughs off and causes chronic inflammation, potentially leading to cancer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 21, 2021

How do developing spinal cords choose 'heads' or 'tails'?

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes develop a three-dimensional human spinal cord organoid that mimics the earliest developmental steps of the nervous system in embryos. The organoid demonstrates how human spinal cord cells become oriented in an embryo, shedding light on potential impact of environmental exposures and toxins.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalDevelopment·DateJun 21, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

COVID-19-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults: rare but possible

A case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in an adult who recovered from COVID-19 is reported, highlighting the importance of considering this rare but possible complication. Prompt treatment helped recover the patient. The authors suggest encouraging reporting of cases to facilitate research and improve outcomes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 21, 2021

Popular sepsis prediction tool less accurate than claimed

A recent study found that a widely used sepsis prediction model performs poorly, correctly identifying patients at risk of sepsis only 63% of the time. The tool was developed based on billing codes, which can be inaccurate, and sent alerts to nearly 1 in 5 patients without actual sepsis.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 21, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Study suggests blood test could guide precision treatment in bladder cancer

A blood test detecting tiny amounts of circulating cancer DNA may identify risk of cancer recurrence and guide precision treatment in bladder cancer following surgery. The study found patients with a particular cancer DNA marker in their blood had a higher likelihood of cancer relapse, suggesting the potential for personalized treatment.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2021

Indigenous people travel long distances to give birth compared with non-Indigenous people

A new study published in CMAJ found that Indigenous mothers are 23% more likely to travel 200 km or more to give birth compared to non-Indigenous women. The disparity is attributed to a lack of birthing facilities and providers near rural Indigenous communities, reflecting colonial policies prioritizing non-Indigenous settlements.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 21, 2021

The clean power of starch

Scientists at DGIST developed a triboelectric nanogenerator using cyclodextrin, a green material from starch, to convert mechanical energy into electricity. The device can be reused and is biocompatible, making it suitable for wearable applications.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 21, 2021

Solar energy collectors grown from seeds

Rice University engineers have developed a method to grow remarkably uniform 2D perovskite crystals using microscopic seeds. This breakthrough addresses production issues and enables the creation of highly efficient photovoltaic devices with stable performance.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 21, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Women who lose close elections are just as likely to run again as men

A recent study published in PNAS found that women who lose local or state elections are equally likely to run for office again as men. Despite prior research suggesting women may be more risk-averse, the study reveals no statistically distinguishable difference between genders in choosing to seek office after losses.

SourceHarvard Kennedy School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2021

Profiling gene expression in plant embryos one nucleus at a time

Researchers developed a method to profile gene expression in Arabidopsis embryos at the single cell level, overcoming obstacles that hindered previous attempts. This approach provides insights into transcription profiles within each cell, enabling the discovery of gene expression patterns that distinguish early embryonic cell types.

SourceGregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology·JournalDevelopment·DateJun 21, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

'Flashed' nanodiamonds are just a phase

Researchers develop method to control flash Joule heating process to produce valuable allotropes, including fluorinated nanodiamonds and graphene. The process uses organic fluorine compounds and fluoride precursors to create the desired structures.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 21, 2021

The risks of adopting 'body positivity' to make a sale

A study suggests that Instagram posts borrowing body positive messages from actual users and containing advertising can undermine the movement. Participants who spotted self-promotion or advertising considered the posts less morally appropriate than non-promotional posts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCommunication Monographs·DateJun 21, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Blaming COVID-19 can help couples weather pandemic-related stress

A new study in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that blaming COVID-19 for problems can reduce the negative effects of stress on relationships. Couples who blamed their stress on the pandemic, rather than each other, reported higher happiness and greater resilience.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 21, 2021

Physicists made photons be friends with magnons

Scientists from NUST MISIS and MIPT create a system with ultra-strong photon-to-magnon coupling, enabling efficient information exchange between hybrid quantum systems. This breakthrough reduces the electromagnetic resonator size by hundreds of times, increasing photon-magnon interaction by several times.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 21, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Gender and persistence in running for office

Researchers analyzed election data to find that men and women are equally likely to run for office after electoral losses. Gender does not affect political ambition after electoral setbacks, according to the study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New geochemical study confirms cause of end-Permian mass extinction event

A new study published in Nature Communications confirms that the end-Permian mass extinction was caused by nickel-rich aerosols from volcanic eruptions. The study uses nickel isotope analyses to demonstrate a direct link between global dispersion of Ni-rich aerosols, ocean chemistry changes and the mass extinction event.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2021

ESMO Gynaecological Cancers Virtual Congress 2021

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological cancer with an absence of screening programmes, leading to late diagnosis and poor prognosis. Despite targeted therapies, personalized medicine remains a challenge due to inconsistent symptoms and resistance to chemotherapy.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateJun 21, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Win or lose, women are seeking election for the long haul

A UC Davis study analyzing 7 decades of election results shows women are just as likely to persist in politics after losing elections as men. Despite initial predictions of 'sore losers,' researchers found no significant differences in candidates' responses to losses by gender.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

There's no cheating old age

A recent study found that life expectancy and lifespan equality in humans and non-human primates are not driven by aging rate, but by early life mortality rates. The researchers analyzed data from nine human populations and 30 non-human primate groups, revealing a strong relationship between early-life deaths and population aging.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2021

Researchers trace dust grain's journey through newborn solar system

A team from the University of Arizona recreated the history of a dust grain formed during the solar system's birth, providing insights into planetary system formation processes. The analysis revealed clues about the environmental conditions that shaped the grain's journey, contradicting current theories on protoplanetary disk physics.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateJun 21, 2021

Catherine F. Sinclair, MD appointed incoming Editor-in-Chief of VideoEndocrinology™

Dr. Catherine F. Sinclair has been selected as the next Editor-in-Chief of VideoEndocrinology, a pioneering videojournal covering thyroid, parathyroid, and endocrine-related procedures. She brings extensive experience in surgical management of neck endocrine diseases and is an internationally recognized expert.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalVideoEndocrinology·DateJun 21, 2021

New research unlocks the mystery of New England's beaches

New research from UMass Amherst reveals how beach sand grain size relates to the slope of the beach. The study found that finer-grained sand determines a beach's slope in bi-modal beaches. This discovery has implications for understanding how New England's beaches will respond to sea-level rise and increased storm activity.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMarine Geology·DateJun 21, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Cellular mechanisms of early mammary gland development unraveled

The study used live tissue imaging to show that cell migration drives the growth of the mammary bud, while ring cells exert contractile force through the actomyosin network. This novel mechanism for invagination may be essential for developing organs.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 21, 2021

An overview of protected satellite communications in the intelligent age

The paper presents a comprehensive overview of protected satellite communications systems, highlighting critical technologies and practical application scenarios. The authors discuss the importance of protected SatComs in military communications and identify remaining challenges and future research directions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateJun 21, 2021

'Urban green space affects citizens' happiness'

A recent study found that urban green spaces, including parks and gardens, have a positive correlation with citizen happiness. The study analyzed data from satellite images of 60 countries and found that the area of green space acted as a more important factor affecting happiness in countries with higher GDP per capita.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateJun 21, 2021

Summer catch-up programs need to focus on teens' wellbeing, not just academic progress

Researchers found that social connections with friends and family, as well as emotional closeness with parents, significantly impacted young people's mental health during lockdown. The study highlights the need for summer holiday programs to prioritize wellbeing support and increase funding for child and adolescent mental health services.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJun 21, 2021

Significant inequalities observed in popular Liverpool 'mass testing' pilot

The study found that asymptomatic COVID-19 testing was popular in Liverpool, but disparities were evident between those who got tested and those who didn't. Lower uptake of testing was observed in the most deprived areas and among Black, Asian, and other non-White ethnic groups.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateJun 21, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Crustal block tectonics offer clues to Venus' geology, study finds

A recent analysis of Venus' surface found evidence of tectonic motion in the form of crustal blocks that have jostled against each other, indicating that Venus is still geologically active. This discovery provides insight into exoplanet tectonics and the earliest tectonic activity on Earth.

SourceBaylor University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2021

Creating cooler cities

Cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, caused by urban infrastructure absorbing heat. Researchers propose applying cooler surfaces to strategic locations to decrease cost and increase usage, offering an effective solution for resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2021